She doesn’t say “privately,” but I pick up on it. My curiosity replaces my envy and I nod, my smile firmly in place again. “I’d love that.”
A few minutes later the five of us are seated with Tristano at the head of the table, and his brothers on either side. I sit next to Rafael and Emilia resumes her chair that’s by Maximus. The entire affair feels awkward, especially now that I have a hint of the history between Emilia and Maximus. It’s going to take me a while to come to terms with the fact he kidnapped her. What the actual fuck?
If I wasn’t sitting across from them, watching him dote on her and caress her cheek as though she’s precious, I might stab him with my fork. He’s been keeping an eye on me, but I’m doing the same.
Maximus better not hurt my friend, that’s all I’m saying.
“Rafael, I believe it’s best if you tell us what is going on between you and Signorina Nardone,” Tristano says. “I’ve relayed some information to Maximus but not all.”
Maximus thrums his fingers on the table, his gaze narrowed at Rafael. “There’s nothing like receiving a phone call in France and being notified your reckless brother is engaged.”
“I’m reckless?” Rafael clutches his chest as though wounded. “You’re the one who was in a shootout and didn’t even think to invite me. Asshole.”
“Enough,” Tristano says. “The two of you can bicker later on. Now is the time for discussion.”
Rafael launches into the story of how and why I showed up on his doorstep not too long ago. He also tells them about my near death experience at my apartment and then concludes by notifying them of our plans to have dinner with my father this evening.
Plans I wasn’t aware of until now.
I snap my gaze to his and struggle to maintain my composure. Anger at not being told, plus the fear I have that’s associated with my father, swirls inside me, turning the blood in my veins to shards of ice. I knew I’d have to see him again, and in the near future if I wanted to escape with Violetta, but doing that a handful of hours from now is way too soon.
Rafael doesn’t look in my direction, not once after making that announcement. Maybe I should stabhimwith my fork.
He covers my hands, clasped tightly and resting in my lap, and runs his thumb along the ridge of my knuckles. I don’t pull away because it comforts me and I can’t fight my fear and Rafael at the same time.
After Rafael hands over the flash drive that I told him was on Dusty’s collar, Tristano uploads the data and spends the rest of the time analyzing it with input from both Maximus and Rafael. They don’t say their plans for my father, but I don’t care. Whatever they do, he deserves it and more. Plus, it will remove all the focus from me and put it on a worthy opponent. The Silvestri brothers are dangerous individually.
But together they could be unstoppable.
Rafael
Ishould’ve fucked Carina.
Maybe she’d be more relaxed if she’d come two or three times while getting thoroughly and efficiently pounded by my cock.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” I ask. “It’s not too late to decline Nardone’s invitation and reschedule.”
Carina’s gaze widens until a large portion of the whites in her eyes are showing. “No one tells my father no. Not unless they want to be hurt or killed.” She shakes her head with a furrowed brow. “No, I have to do this. If I don’t, he’ll never believe this engagement is real.”
I pull the car over, put it in park, and then grip the back of her neck. She brings her gaze to mine and now that I’m looking at her, I can easily see the terror lurking in the depths of her eyes. Carina may be good at hiding her emotions from others but not from me.
“First of all, your father can’t make you do anything anymore. That’s my right.” I tug her closer. “Second, this engagement is real,viziata. You are going to marry me and the more you fight me, the faster I’ll drag you to the altar.”
“And third?”
“I’m going to fuck you tonight.”
There’s no hesitation on my part. Nothing short of dying will keep me from Carina tonight. I’ve uncovered her dark secrets and nightmares, and they’re not enough to stop me. If anything, I’m determined to obliterate them, to help her move on if I can.
Her breath hitches. “I don’t have a choice in any of this?”
“You do, in all of it. But you better choose wisely.”
“And if I say no?”
My lips curl into a smirk. “I’m kind of hoping you do, actually. However, you won’t win.”
She closes her eyes and her lips tremble. Carina, whether happy or distressed, is beautiful. And like always, I’m drawn to her. To her innocence, her fire, and her individuality.
